Human Development Worksheet Using The Human Development Case

Human Development WorksheetUsing The Human Development Case Studies Me

Human Development Worksheet Using the Human Development Case Studies media piece, select one of the case studies to analyze. In the worksheet, you will be assessed on the following: Describe a life stage based on a developmental theory. Summarize developmental theories and apply them to a case. Apply findings from scholarly research to a case. Communicate clearly with appropriate purpose, organization, tone, and sentence structure.

Cite sources using author and year in the body of the work and provide a reference for each source.

Paper For Above instruction

Human development is a complex and multifaceted field that seeks to understand the growth and change individuals experience across the lifespan. The analysis of case studies within this domain allows practitioners and students to apply theoretical frameworks to real-life scenarios, enriching their understanding of developmental processes. This paper focuses on a selected case study from the Human Development Case Studies media piece, analyzing the individual’s current situation, their stage of development according to relevant theories, and supporting these insights with scholarly research.

For this assignment, I selected the case of Brenda, an early midlife woman facing challenges related to her career and her sense of purpose. Brenda’s situation involves navigating the transition from her established career to new pursuits, which is often accompanied by identity re-evaluation and questions about long-term goals. This scenario exemplifies the developmental tasks typical of early midlife, a period characterized by reflection, reassessment, and often, major life changes.

Stage of Life According to Theories

According to Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, Brenda is likely in the stage of "generativity versus stagnation," which typically occurs during middle adulthood (Erikson, 1950). During this stage, individuals strive to contribute meaningfully to society and support future generations, often through their careers, family roles, or community involvement. Brenda’s pursuit of reinvention and her desire to find meaningful work align with the developmental task of fostering a sense of productivity and purpose.

From a cognitive development perspective, Piaget’s theory suggests that adults in this life stage operate within a more sophisticated and reflective cognitive framework, capable of integrating multiple perspectives and engaging in complex problem-solving (Piaget, 1972). Brenda’s reflections on her career and life choices indicate her ongoing development in abstract and moral reasoning, which supports her search for purpose and fulfillment.

How Theories Help Understand Development and Situation

Erikson’s theory helps us understand Brenda’s situation by framing her actions within the broader psychosocial challenges of middle adulthood. Her pursuit of meaningful work corresponds to the developmental focus on generativity—creating, nurturing, and guiding—while her feelings of stagnation could manifest if she perceives her efforts as unproductive. Recognizing this allows practitioners to support her in finding avenues for contribution and purpose.

Piaget’s cognitive development theory offers insight into her reflective capacity. As an adult, Brenda is likely engaging in formal operational thinking, enabling her to consider future possibilities critically. This cognitive maturity supports her ability to reimagine her life and pursue new goals, reflecting successful development in this phase.

Scholarly Research Supporting Developmental Analysis

Research by Chen et al. (2019) emphasizes the importance of meaningful work and generativity in middle age, highlighting how engagement in purposeful activities contributes to well-being and life satisfaction. This supports the idea that Brenda’s pursuit of meaningful career changes aligns with developmental goals during this life stage.

Finan, Ohannessian, and Gordon (2018) explore trajectories of depressive symptoms related to identity and life satisfaction in emerging and middle adulthood, emphasizing the importance of social support and purpose. Their findings suggest that Brenda’s social network and her quest for purpose are vital in promoting mental health and resilience in her current phase.

Application of Research and Theories to the Case

The research underscores that engagement in meaningful activities and social support are crucial for well-being during middle adulthood, aligning with Erikson’s concept of generativity. Brenda’s efforts to engage in new work projects and her seeking support from friends and family exemplify this. Furthermore, her cognitive flexibility as described by Piaget’s theory enables her to adapt to her changing circumstances, fostering resilience and growth. These theoretical insights, supported by scholarly research, provide a comprehensive understanding of Brenda’s developmental needs and challenges.

Conclusion

In summary, analyzing Brenda’s case through Erikson’s psychosocial theory and Piaget’s cognitive development theory reveals that she is navigating the complexities of middle adulthood, focusing on establishing purpose and contribution. Supported by scholarly research emphasizing the importance of meaningful activity and social support, these theories highlight the importance of fostering positive development during this critical life stage. As professionals, understanding these developmental frameworks enables us to better support individuals like Brenda in achieving well-being and fulfillment.

References

• Chen, J., Krahn, H. J., Galambos, N. L., & Johnson, M. D. (2019). Wanting to be remembered: Intrinsically rewarding work and generativity in early midlife. Canadian Review of Sociology, 56(1), 30–48.
• Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Finan, L. J., Ohannessian, C. M., & Gordon, M. S. (2018). Trajectories of depressive symptoms from adolescence to emerging adulthood: The influence of parents, peers, and siblings. Developmental Psychology, 54(8), 1555–1567.
• Piaget, J. (1972). The Psychology of the Child. Basic Books.
• Rogers, A. A., Updegraff, K. A., Iida, M., Dishion, T. J., Doane, L. D., Corbin, W. C., Van Lenten, S. A., & Ha, T. (2018). Trajectories of positive and negative affect across the transition to college: The role of daily interactions with parents and friends. Developmental Psychology, 54(11), 2181–2192.
• Szwedo, D. E., Hessel, E. T., Loeb, E. L., Hafen, C. A., & Allen, J. P. (2017). Adolescent support seeking as a path to adult functional independence. Developmental Psychology, 53(5), 949–961.